The APBA Challenge Cup, more commonly known as the
APBA Gold Cup is among the most prestigious of motorsport trophies, in part because it is the oldest active trophy in all of motorsports. The trophy was first awarded in 1904! In comparison, the first Indianapolis 500 race was held in 1911 and their Borg-Warner trophy was first awarded in 1936.

Hydroplane racing became a tradition in Detroit... [read more]

The APBA Challenge Cup, more commonly known as the
APBA Gold Cup is among the most prestigious of motorsport trophies, in part because it is the oldest active trophy in all of motorsports. The trophy was first awarded in 1904! In comparison, the first Indianapolis 500 race was held in 1911 and their Borg-Warner trophy was first awarded in 1936.

Hydroplane racing became a tradition in Detroit when designer Christopher Columbus Smith (of the Chris Craft boat company) built a Detroit-based boat that would crack the 60 miles-per-hour speed barrier, capturing the Gold Cup in 1915.

Here is what we have planned throughout the Gold Cup weekend:

Friday, July 8th Noon-7pm
• Admission into the races is free
• New Kids on the Course Program
• US Navy FA-18 and Biplane practices
• Offshore and Unlimited Hydroplane Testing
• Unlimited Hydroplane Qualifying
• 89X Concert Series: Telecollision


Saturday, July 9th 8:30am-5:30pm
• Four Offshore qualifying rounds
• Two Unlimited Hydroplane qualifying rounds
• US Navy FA-18 and Biplane demonstrations
• Autograph sessions with drivers on the Air National Guard Stage
• ESPN’s Ride, Rock and Roll Skateboard Demonstrations by South Street Skatepark
• 89X Concert: Ghost of August

Sunday, July 10th 8:30am-4:30pm
• Opening Ceremony – with FA-18 fly over
• US Navy FA-18 and Biplane Demonstrations
• Four Offshore finals
• ESPN’s Ride, Rock and Roll BMX Demonstrations
• Detroit APBA Gold Cup Final


Tickets are available at www.gold-cup.com